by Shannon Popkin | Dec 5, 2012 | Holidays, Jesus, Kids' Perspective, Wisdom
After my student played “Away in a Manger” for me on the piano, she asked, “What’s a manger?”I said, “Oh! It’s a feeding trough for animals. Remember how Mary and Joseph had to stay in a stable with animals, the night Jesus...
by Shannon Popkin | Nov 27, 2012 | Anxiety, Christian Growth, Holidays, Kids' Perspective, Mistakes
I decided to have my boys help me with the Christmas decorating this year. But maybe I should have started with something like the stockings or the tree skirt. Clearly, setting up my village was more than they… or I… could handle.After giving some light...
by Shannon Popkin | Nov 22, 2012 | Family, Holidays
a repost from 2010:I sent Cade to school this morning with a backpack full of turkey plates and brown bags cut into ‘vests’ for the day’s festivities. We had an argument about whether his lunch also belonged in his backpack, since there was to be a...
by Shannon Popkin | Nov 20, 2012 | Faith, Holidays, Parenting, Salvation, seasons, Witness
When we moved into our house two years ago, the previous owners were kind enough to give us their big basket of Christmas lights. They even went so far as to give us a diagram, showing which strand of lights went on which roof peak.I was delighted! Now, at long last,...
by Shannon Popkin | Nov 16, 2012 | Anxiety, Differences, Disagreement, Family, Holidays, Problems, Roles, Women
I’d like to call for a huddle before we kick off the holiday seasons. Calling all the women in the family, please. Can we huddle up for a moment?Now, please don’t call me coach. I’m really not in a position to be coaching anyone on these matters. So...
by Shannon Popkin | Nov 14, 2012 | Anxiety, Holidays, Problems, Wisdom
Thanks to Beyond Bathtime Blog, for publishing my story:“Mom, I need you to pray for me.” The serious look on Older’s face caused me to lean in with concern.“OK,” I said. “What is it?” Older took a deep breath and said, “Well, tomorrow is Younger’s birthday, and on my...